Many parents believe in providing multi-vitamins for their children and understand the value of them. However, it is also somewhat a grey area for some parents, as they aren’t sure if they should be giving them to their kids and if so - when.

We put together a few important points on multi-vitamin and why it is beneficial for kids.

Addressing a nutritional gapUnfortunately not every child has a balanced and varied diet full of essential vitamins and minerals. Some little people are picky eaters and some even prone to allergies to certain foods containing essential vitamins. Providing multi-vitamins will help balance your kids’ diet and ensure they receive all the required nutrients.

Immune boosterWhether your child’s immune system is weak or winter bugs are going around, multi- vitamins will provide that piece of mind that your child’s immune system is supported with all the crucial vitamins and your child is stronger when exposed to winter bugs.

Developing and ensuring a healthy lifeCritical developing processes happen during the early stages of life, and by receiving the right vitamin and mineral support, you can set your child up for a healthier life later. Studies show that kids who take multi-vitamins and minerals from the beginning can avoid serious health issues during their adulthood and even extend their life.

Cognitive PerformanceKids’ brain goes through a serious growing during the early years and supporting it with multi-vitamins will help their cognitive performance during their busy life and especially when they start school.

EnergyMany kids lead a hectic life with sports and activities. Some have something on each day after school which can lead to tiredness and even exhaustion. Multi-vitamins will support your child during a busy life and boost their energy levels.

When should kids take Multi-vitamins?This depends on the reason your child is taking Multi-vitamins and minerals. If they are very picky with their food and you’re supporting their nutrition, we suggest they take it regularly no matter what season it is.

If your child eats a full and varied diet but gets sick when colder months come, you should definitely start them on the vitamins in the middle of spring and keep going until you feel they are fine without it.

If your child leads a very busy life with sports and activities and gets exhausted and run down due to that, then giving them the multi-vitamins regularly will support their energy levels and health.

All in all, Multi-Vitamins is something kids will benefit no matter what and you will certainly not harm them by including it regularly. If your child is on Childlife Multi-Vitamin and Mineral, Dr Murray suggests giving it to them 5 days a week and have the weekend off. That will not affect the level of support it provides for your child and can make it a little easier on the parents’ pocket.

You may have heard that reading plays a huge role in kids’ development, but do you know exactly how? ​Well, studies show that the vocabulary of kids who listen to their parents read to them is bigger than kids who don’t get reading time at all. There are undoubtedly various benefits in reading to your child.

Besides enhancing your child’s vocabulary, reading also helps them with learning how to write and read as well as understand different topics and how the world works. Below we put together what benefits come with reading for your children.

BondReading is a great way to bond with your child and have that quiet time together. Whether it’s a book during the day or before bedtime, it creates a very special bonding time.

KnowledgeChildren receive much knowledge from reading books which set them up for successful learning at school. Knowledge provides a great head start in life and prepares them for learning later.

Language SkillsWhen you speak to your child daily, you often repeat similar words or sentences and vocabulary you use is usually limited. However when books are read, various topics are discussed, and your child gets to know topics outside their daily life, which develops their language skills.

ConcentrationReading teaches patience and attention, as it’s an activity that requires the child to sit quietly and focus on listening. More you do it, the more they learn how to sit still and pay attention.

Imagination and CreativityWhen we read, we often imagine someone else’s world and what happens during the story, what characters might look like and do. While there are books with pictures which portrait characters and surroundings, there are still scenes that need to be imaged as the story goes on. That’s where your child can fantasize developing their imagination and creativity.

Learning EmotionsStories often include characters which cause the reader to express emotions. Whether it’s empathy or happiness, books teach your child to understand and feel these emotions. When you change your voice to show the emotion or simply talk to the child about it after reading the book, they learn what they should feel in certain life situations.

EntertainmentThese days many kids watch TV or play on devices, so exposing your child to reading shows another form of entertainment which can lead to a great passion for reading in their life later.

With so many benefits, parents should certainly include reading as one of the ways to promote their child’s development and prepare them for the world of learning.

Did you know that a brain consists of 60% fat and 20% of which need to include Omega 3 fatty acids? Various studies show that pregnant women can provide hugely beneficial support to their baby’s brain by taking DHA during their pregnancy. This doesn’t stop when the baby is born, and many professionals suggest that parents give their children fish oil regularly.

A healthy brain’s function consists of electric signals passing from one brain cell to another. This process is supported by cell membranes which the signals can pass through. These membranes are made of almost entirely of fat. These membranes have ion channels which open and close to help electric signals flow smoothly. This is where DHA or fish oil comes in - it supports these channels by making them more elastic which in turn helps the easier flow.

So this magic ingredient helps our brains work smoothly and therefore show better IQ results when there are adequate DHA levels. Research shows that kids with low Omega 3 levels are more likely to produce lower scores in IQ tests.

During pregnancy and young years, a person’s brain grows rapidly, and with sufficient levels of Omega 3, a growing brain can gain all the support it needs to grow healthy and increase volume. There is also grey matter in our brains, which is responsible for happiness. With high levels of Omega 3, there are more of this tissue, which provides healthy levels of the happy hormone - dopamine.

Numerous researches have examined the effects of taking Omega 3 for young children and their learning at school. It was proven that the behaviour, memory and reading abilities improve after taking Omega 3 for 6 or more weeks.

Many parents are concerned that they won’t be able to get their child to try Fish Oil, simply because of the taste. The days of the disgusting taste of Fish Oil are gone, and we are happy to say that Childlife Essentials Cod Liver Oil offers strawberry taste which kids find delicious and easy to take.

​Once kids start school, parents don’t just get busy helping their kids with homework and school activities, but also often think about after-school activities and which ones they should sign up their kids to.

We are sure that after-school activities are hugely beneficial to kids as they don’t just offer new skills, but uncover your child’s talents and expose children to other social groups rather than their school one. Activities after school are also a safe way to spend afternoons for busy kids or kids with working parents who are still at work (when a family member or nanny can take them there).

Well, structured activities will not only provide a safe environment with knowledgeable and supportive teachers but provide belonging and skill development for your child. Your child will also feel free to express themselves and explore their abilities in managing tasks or challenges.

With so many activities out there ranging from small to big groups, from specialised to general interest ones and requiring different costs, it is up to you to do your research, talk to your child to find out their interest and then get them to try the first class.

First classes are usually offered on a trial basis, and some operators even provide them for free. That’s when both you and your child will be able to see if the class is suitable. When choosing an activity for your child, it is essential to look at many aspects of the activity. Below we combined a list of things to watch out for when choosing an after-school activity for your child.

Follow your child’s interests:It is important that your child actually enjoys their extracurricular activities, so make sure to talk to them and pay attention to what they enjoy. Their enthusiasm will be a massive plus for the activity once they start going there regularly. You don’t want to sign them up and pay for a term to find out they are bored after a couple of sessions.

Look outside of school:Many schools often offer activities beyond the usual curriculum, and they usually happen during school time (lunch break). While it’s great as well, there will be lots more activity options beyond the school walls where your child will have an opportunity to meet new friends and be exposed to a new environment.

Be attentive to your child’s needs:Some kids have lots of energy and love doing many after-school activities, while others prefer focusing on one or two activities outside their school hours. Talk to your child and find out what (and how many) activities they might want to try and if they start struggling with some, discuss why it’s happening and what can be done (and whether you need to cut back on some activities).

Structure of the activity:When taking your child to try an activity, carefully watch how it’s planned and what the teacher is doing. Taking your child to a well-planned activity with a supportive teacher is the key to both their enjoyment and parent’s delight that their child is gaining new skills. Ask your child if they enjoyed it afterwards and if they learnt anything new.

Costs:Activities are priced differently and not every good one is priced high. If your budget is low, you can find great community-based activities which will be as great as the ones that are priced high. Do your research and chat to local community groups about what’s around and what other mums do with their kids.

Whatever you and your child choose for after-school activities, make sure they enjoy their time there while learning new skills. When they grow up, they will remember the fun they had during their childhood and the skills they gained back might just become important life-long skills they will rely on as adults.

​A cough occurs as a reflex action by the body to clear the airways of any irritant or mucus. When a child develops a cough, it usually scares parents, because a cough can be either something temporary and easily curable or something more serious.

​The condition can sometimes linger, and this makes children uncomfortable, and no parent wants to see their child in pain. Any number of factors can cause your kids’ cough. So, it is crucial to identify the primary cause to understand the right treatment for it.

Causes of Cough in Children

● InfectionA cold or flu is a possible trigger for a persistent cough in children. The cough would be severely dry, and the child’s airways are usually noisy when breathing or sleeping.

● Asthma

Asthma can develop quickly in young children that have been continuously exposed to pollutants. The cough comes with a wheezing sound and inability to breathe properly. It can also occur after rigorous physical activity.

● AllergiesA cough can develop from an allergic reaction. When the child comes in contact with an allergen such as pollen or dust, cough can occur as part of the symptoms of the reaction. Other signs are a runny nose and watery eyes.

● IrritantsChildren can also start coughing because of a mild irritation such as playing with a foreign object, inhaling an unusual smell, and others.

How to Treat your Kids’ Cough

● LiquidHydration is essential regardless of the type of cough and its cause. Ensure your child takes enough fluids (like water) every day. The liquids help to keep the membranes moist, thin out mucus, and soothe the throat.

● SteamA harrowing cough is usually accompanied by a blocked and/or runny nose. Create a steam room by running the hot shower and closing the door or boiling potatoes and then placing them into a bowl. Get your child to hold their head over the bowl and inhale the steam to clear the throat and nose. Make sure to put a towel over the child's head, so the steam doen't escape easily.

● HoneySome doctors say honey is natural cough medicine. It tastes delicious and is effective in clearing the throat and quieting a cough. It also improves sleep quality in children.

● Cough syrupIf your child is over 2 years old, getting them to take Childlife Essentials cough syrup can ease the symptoms and even treat the condition altogether. We often suggest using Echinacea along with the cough syrup to help the immune system at the same time (Echinacea can be given from 6 months old).

● See a doctorIf the cough is lingering for a while and you're concerned, going to your GP is suggested to get a professional opinion and possibly tests done. Your doctor will then inform you of the right medical treatment.

​Reading, writing, and math come easily to us, adults. Remember when you were a young child, how difficult it was to learn reading your first book. This is the struggle kids go through every day at school. For them, learning can be tough especially when they don’t get the results they study hard for. ​It is up to us, parents to take an interest in their education and supplement their teachers’ efforts. Here are some simple but effective tips on how to support your child’s learning.

Designate a special area for study

One of the first things to do to enhance your child’s learning is to designate a study area. This can be a room or any other a small area in the house. The essential requirements here are proper lighting, a suitably sized table and chair (kid size), an organised spot for keeping reading and writing supplies (shelf or a place on the table).

Eliminate distractions

Children get easily distracted by the surrounding environment especially when there is a book in front of them, and they are trying to focus on reading it. To help your child learn you distractions from the environment must be eliminated. For example, when it is time for homework or study, switch off the TV and take away games, phones, and any other play objects.

Be involved in their homework and help them

Don’t leave your child to tackle homework or practice alone. You can guide them through the process by making suggestions. There are other ways to lend a hand to the learning process such as educational games in the car or at home. For example, the game ‘I Spy’ helps to improve children’s vocabulary.

Healthy diet and supplements

The brain needs the right nutrients to enhance its capabilities. Ensure that your child has a healthy mind and body by providing the proper diet. This should include fruit and vegetables for vitamins, protein foods, reduce their sugar intake, and include supplements such as fish oil, which is excellent for healthy brain function and attention at school. These nutrients will help to develop a healthy mind and body for your child.

Teach organisation

Learning to be organised from a very early age is a great skill to take into adulthood. It is also a great mental exercise for children. Teach your child to pack their bags for school the night before their school instead of rushing them to do that in the morning. You can also introduce young children to a schedule using simple materials like a whiteboard andmarker. They can write their tasks each day and work towards completing their plan.

Some kids learn faster than others, but with patience, love, and the right guidance, any child will be able to do well at school and succeed with anything they put their mind to.

​Responsibility means many things including taking care of others and being dependable. It means keeping your word and contributing to your surroundings. Every parent wants to teach their child all the best traits. They want them to grow and become model adults. The only problem is, when it comes to children, most things are easier said than done. Teaching them takes time, commitment, and right methods. We wanted to provide some ideas and tips onhow to teach kids responsibility.

Start EarlyLearning responsibility is not an automatic process for children. It is something they must grow into and see as a way of life. If you want your kids to be responsible, then you must start early. A 3-year-old can learn effectively and pick up things you teach them.

Be the ExampleChildren learn first from their parents’ actions before anything else. For your child to practice everything you teach them, the child needs to see that you are doing it too. Don’t tell your kids off for leaving their clothes lying around everywhere, only to do the same in your room. Be the role model they can look up to.

Give TasksTalking alone won’t do much, you must employ actions. Give your kids age-appropriate tasks to keep them engaged and responsible. These could include cleaning their rooms, pitching in with the dishes, babysitting younger siblings and much more. As they get older, you should alter the chores to suit their age. Make sure you set up rules and consequences for failing to complete tasks or a reward system for doing it right. This way the kids take it seriously and are motivated to learn.

Don’t Run to the RescueAs parents, it is natural to run to your child’s rescue when they are in trouble. For most parents, this includes when a child forgets his homework, goes late to school or experiences any other difficulty. There are times when you must stop and remember that this small crisis is the best time to teach kids responsibility. You can assist slightly with the problem-solving but allow kids to work through a difficult situation themselves.

Positive ReinforcementThis little trick works on adults too. Always recognise your child’s efforts towards responsibility and praise them for it. Tell your child immediately what they did right and why you liked it. Encourage kids to do better and watch their progress.

Allergies can affect anyone regardless of age. However, when children show symptoms, it is essential to take proper precautions, to prevent bigger health problems.

An allergy can be described as an abnormal response of the immune system to something perceived as a threat. This substance is called an allergen, and anytime the body encounters this allergen, it triggers the allergic responses.

For example, if a child is allergic to nuts and mistakenly eats it, the body responds immediately to eliminate the perceived threat. The chemicals and enzymes released to do this irritate the previously balanced body system todisplay symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, itching, shock, difficulty in breathing, and so on.

The symptoms can be severe or even life-threatening, but this depends on the case. Allergy does not happen to everyone but can occur in children whose parents have a history of it. Examples of allergy triggers include:● Plant pollen, stings, or insect bites- Outdoor allergens● Pet hair, dust/dust mite, mould- Indoor allergens● Perfume, smoke- Environmental irritant● Peanut, milk, eggs- Food allergens

As a parent, you can check for signs that show if your child is developing an allergy. Below are the tips to do this. When you see these signs, see a doctor immediately.

- Look out for symptoms such as itching, running nose, sneezing, and other cold symptoms that last more than a week.- Consider the time. If your child seems to react to something at a particular time, it might be a trigger. This includes seasonal allergens caused by pollen. You can observe this if your kid gets the symptoms during spring or summer when there are more outdoor activities.- Is there a difference in your child’s body system when he is at home or in school? The allergens could be dust or pet hair.

How can you protect your child from an allergy?

● Sweep and vacuum the home regularly● Wash your child’s bedding in hot water weekly● Bathe your pets regularly and keep them out of the kids' room for most of the time.● Invest in a dehumidifier or humidifier to clean the air● If your child has a food allergen, always read food labels to be safe. Tell waiters in a restaurant about your child’s allergy and the things to exclude from his meal.● Vitamins and supplements can hugely minimise allergy symptoms and even support your child's immune system and resist future allergy onsets.

There is nothing quite like New Zealand summer, which includes numerous beach visits, quality times with family and friends and fun in the summer. ​Unfortunately, New Zealand summer also has a considerable disadvantage - harsh sun that just burns and is dangerous. Here we prepared a few easy steps of protecting kids from the elements and safely enjoy kiwi summer.

HatsThis is number one for protecting kids from the harsh sun. Make sure your child has a hat that stays on even during windy days. Hats with wide brims are the best to cover the ears and back of the neck.SunglassesMany kids may not be used to them, but the harsh and bright sun can burn eyes, so it is worthwhile to get your child used to wearing sunnies. There are some cute options out there, and some have ties at the back to keep them in place.

SunblockChoose 50+ for kids and apply it approximately every 2 hours. SwimwearLong sleeves and long pants are great for extended hours on the beach. If you are concerned about the amount of time your kids spend on the beach and possible sunburn, or you forget to apply sunblock regularly, then this is your answer! VitaminsSupplement kids’ diet with Childlife Essentials Vitamin D3 to help them maintain healthy vitamin D levels. Remember NZ sun is harsh, and by protecting little bodies with sunblock, there is a very small level of obtaining vitamin D naturally.

Adventures as a whole family aren’t just important for kids because of the bonding time, but there are other significant advantages for kids. Adventures can be anything from overseas holidays to day trips. They don’t need to be expensive or extravagant, and the simplest of them all benefit kids so much!Here we put together a list of why family adventures are so good for kids.

Family bonding time:Spending time with kids will give them the chance to talk to you, play and learn together. It’s a fantastic bonding time. Siblings will also grow closer together when they experience fun adventures together. Try and limit everyone’s screen time (including yours) and you will get to have some great quality time as a whole family.

Freedom and relaxation:Getaways (or adventures) mean freedom for kids (and you as well). There are no responsibilities, and everyone can relax. Even if it’s for a short time, make it count and spend every day relaxing and making the most of it. These days life is just too busy, so taking time off isn’t just good for everyone’s bodies, but for their souls as well. Learning:You know that saying “we never stop learning”? Well, learning is life. When we put ourselves into new (and sometimes even uncomfortable) situations, we learn so much! Exploring new places and seeing new things will teach kids new skills, build their confidence and provide knowledge on how the world works. If it’s an overseas trip, then kids have the fantastic opportunity to learn a new culture and see how other people live. Social skills:Most adventures mean seeing and meeting new people. When kids are exposed to new people, they learn how to interact with others who might be very different from their family and friends. This teaches them valuable social skills.Being comfortable around water:Summer adventures usually involve swimming. If your kids don’t go to swimming classes and learn swimming when they get to do it during family holidays, it is then that they gain confidence in the water. Trying new food:When we are outside of our usual environment, many things change..like food. Especially when we travel overseas - kids get the chance to try new food. Even picky eaters can come out of their shell after a busy day exploring or activities and try new food. Physical benefits:Adventures mean exploring places, which means some physical activity is involved. Whether it’s climbing up a hill or walking on the beach, anything helps little bodies to get stronger and fitter. It also develops a great habit and understanding that physical activity is right for you. Developing love to exercise from an early age is an excellent foundation for healthy adults.Better stories to tell:And finally, kids will have so much to tell their friends. Seeing and experiencing what’s beyond their usual routine gives kids the chance to tell their friends about their adventures while building their language skills at the same time. Besides, kids just love telling their friends about what they get up to outside their kindy or school.